Fears of higher than normal radiation levels in Tokyo have prompted British Airways to give passengers with tickets to Tokyo the option of cancelling or altering their flights.

Passengers who bought tickets before 11th March and are booked to travel to and from Tokyo up to 31st March can claim a refund, re-book for a later date or switch to another destination. Those with tickets for travel from 31st March to 10th April can delay their flights or switch to another destination.

British Airways is operating its flights to Tokyo via Seoul in South Korea from today to avoid crew staying overnight in Japan. Its services to Haneda airport will operate from Narita instead until 27th March.

According to BBC reports, radioactive iodine levels in some areas are twice the recommended safe level and officials have warned the tap water is unsafe for babies to drink, but that there is no immediate health risk to others.